Inhibitors of macrophage migration inhibitory factor

ABSTRACT

A method for reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF or MMIF) cytokine or its biological activity, including the step of administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to a patient having a disease or condition wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition. In one embodiment, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to a method for reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF or MMIF) cytokine (also known as glycosylation-inhibiting factor (GIF)) or its biological activity, and, more particularly, to a method for treating and/or preventing a disease or condition, wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition, with an isothiocyanate functional surfactant (ISF).

2. Background Art

The protein MIF is a cytokine released by many cell types including T-lymphocytes and macrophages. MIF proteins have been identified in several species including mammals and are generally 12-13 kDa in size. MIF levels are believed to increase during physiological stress or systemic inflammatory conditions. MIF plays an important role in septic shock and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, possibly due to its ability to act as an endogenous regulator of glucocorticoid action within the immune system. Deletion of the MIF gene or immunoneutralization of MIF protects against septic shock.

Elevated levels of MIF have been observed in a number of disease states including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sepsis and many types of cancer. Furthermore, genetic ablation of MIF has been shown to attenuate various disease states in murine models. While details surrounding the mechanisms of MIF action are still unclear, the clinical significance of MIF expression is such that targeted approaches to modulate the biological activities of MIF are currently in development—see the complete file wrapper history of International Publication Number WO 2010/140902 A1 Entitled “Inhibitors Of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including all references cited therein.

MIF is also known to have a proinflammatory role in arthritis and glomerulonephritis. Inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine activity using monoclonal antibodies has been shown to improve disease outcomes in mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Additional biological activities for MIF include tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, insulin release, cell growth and apoptosis, regulation of T-cell and macrophage activation and IgE synthesis. MIF also acts as a tautomerase. While the biological significance of this activity is still under investigation, the tautomerase site appears to be important for regulating protein-protein interactions that mediate MIF activity.

MIF is known to be involved in numerous pathological events, and inhibition of MIF may have several therapeutic effects. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide new and useful compounds that serve as MIF inhibitors and/or modulators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity comprising the step of: administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to a patient having a disease or condition wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises a lysine derivative, wherein the lysine derivative comprises an α-nitrogen and a ε-nitrogen, and wherein an alkyl and/or alkanoyl substituent comprising at least approximately 8 carbon atoms is associated with the α-nitrogen, and further wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group is associated with the ε-nitrogen.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein the protonated form of the surfactant comprises a non-polar moiety (NP) and a polar moiety (P), and wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group (NCS) is associated with the polar and/or non-polar moiety.

In another aspect of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s); wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; and an alkyl, and alkanoyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, and alkanoyl, group containing 8 to 25 carbon atoms.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from approximately 1 to approximately 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from approximately 6 to approximately 25.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by at least one of the following chemical structures:

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein X comprises a counter cation such as, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, s-block metals, d-block metals, p-block metals, NZ₄ ₊ , wherein Z comprises, H, R₆, OR₆, and wherein R₆ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s); wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; and an alkyl, and alkanoyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, and alkanoyl, group containing 8 to 25 carbon atoms; and wherein X comprises a counter cation.

In another aspect of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is administered to the patient at least one of orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intrathecally, cutaneously, subcutaneously, transdermally, sublingually, buccally, rectally, vaginally, ocularly, otically, and nasally.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant further comprises one or more pharmaceutical, biological or molecular biological active agents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and/or described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

In accordance with the present invention, methods for reducing and/or modulating macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity are provided herein. In particular, these methods include treating a plurality of types of diseases and/or conditions, such as, but not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer—just to name a few.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to method for eliminating and/or reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity by administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to a patient having a disease or condition wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition. Preferably, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises one or more isothiocyanate functional groups associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant. It will be understood that isothiocyanate functional surfactants, regardless of their ordinary meaning, are defined herein as a surfactant having an isothiocyanate functional group associated therewith. It will be yet further understood that the term “associated” as used herein in chemical context, regardless of its ordinary meaning, is defined herein as attached, a covalent bond, a polar covalent bond, an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, van der Waals forces, electrostatic interaction, directly and/or indirectly linked, etcetera.

The term surfactant derives from contraction of the terms surface-active-agent and is defined herein as a molecule and/or group of molecules which are able to modify the interfacial properties of the liquids (aqueous and non-aqueous) in which they are present. The surfactant properties of these molecules reside in their amphiphilic character which stems from the fact that each surfactant molecule has both a hydrophilic moiety and a hydrophobic (or lipophilic) moiety, and that the extent of each of these moieties is balanced so that at concentrations at or below the critical micelle concentration (i.e., CMC) they generally concentrate at the air-liquid interface and materially decrease the interfacial tension. For example, sodium salts of saturated carboxylic acids are extremely soluble in water up to C8 length and are thus not true surfactants. They become less soluble in water from C9 up to C18 length, the domain of effective surfactants for this class of compounds. The carboxylic acids (fatty acids) can be either saturated or unsaturated starting from C16 chain lengths.

Without being bound by any one particular theory, it is believed that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants disclosed herein facilitate treatment of numerous diseases and conditions by eliminating, modulating, and/or reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity. It is also believed that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants disclosed herein facilitate elevating phase II enzymes (e.g., HAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase) which are believed to, among other things regulate inflammatory responses within the body, as well as detoxify carcinogens and/or activated carcinogens.

In accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactants may be used as an administered leave-on/leave-in product in which one or more surfactants remain on/in the body and are not immediately and/or ever removed from the body. Alternatively, the isothiocyanate functional surfactants of the present invention may be used in an administer and remove fashion. For either case, it is preferred that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants be generally mild to human body (e.g., non-irritating or low-irritating). In particular, anionic N-alkanoyl surfactants derived from amino acids are especially preferred because, while not completely predictable, they have a tendency to be mild. The methods of preparation detailed in this invention employ, but are not limited to, amino acids that possess at least two amine functionalities, at least one of which is converted to an N-alkanoyl functionality, and at least one of which is converted into isothiocyanate functionality. The amino acids include, but are not limited to, the α-amino acids lysine, ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, 2,7-diaminoheptanoic acid, and 2,8-diaminooctanoic acid. Additionally, amino acids other than α-amino acids may be employed, such as β-amino acids, etcetera. It will be understood that amino acid derived surfactants are preferred due to their mild nature, but any one of a number of other surfactants are likewise contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention.

Methods for preparing isothiocyanate functional surfactants and/or their precursors can involve, but are not limited to, conversion of an amine functionality to an isothiocyanate functionality. The methods of conversion of amine functionalities to isothiocyanate functionalities include, but are not limited to: (1) reaction with carbon disulfide to yield an intermediate dithiocarbamate, followed by reaction with ethylchloroformate or its functional equivalent such as bis(trichloromethyl)-carbonate, trichloromethyl chloroformate, or phosgene; (2) reaction with thiophosgene; (3) reaction with 1,1′-thiocarbonyldiimidizole; (4) reaction with phenylthiochloroformate; (5) reaction with ammonium or alkali metal thiocyanate to prepare an intermediate thiourea followed by cleaving to the isothiocyanate via heating; and (6) reaction with an isothiocyanato acyl halide [SCN—(CH₂)_(n)—CO—Cl]. The resulting isothiocyanate functional surfactant, depending on the method of preparation, can be isolated as a pure material or as a mixture with other surfactants. The resulting isothiocyanate functional surfactant, depending on the method of preparation, can be isolated and used directly in nonionic form, anionic form, cationic form, zwitterionic (amphoteric) form, and/or in a neutral surfactant-precursor form in combination with a base such as sodium hydroxide or triethanol amine if the neutral surfactant-precursor form possesses a protonated carboxylic acid group such that reaction (deprotonation) with the base converts the neutral surfactant-precursor form to an anionic surfactant, or in neutral surfactant-precursor form in combination with an acid if the neutral surfactant-precursor form possess amine functionality such that reaction (protonation) with the acid converts the neutral surfactant-precursor form to a cationic surfactant.

In accordance with the present invention, the step of administering comprises, but is not limited to, systemic administration, local injection, regional injection, spraying, dripping, dabbing, rubbing, blotting, dipping, and any combination thereof.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is removed from body and/or affected area after a period of time. Such a period comprises, but is not limited to, seconds (e.g., 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, and 60 seconds), minutes (e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes), hours (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, and 60 hours), days (e.g., 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days, 30 days), etcetera. It will be understood that the step of removing preferably occurs via purging, rinsing, wiping, and/or extracting—just to name a few.

Depending upon the subject and/or the severity of the condition and/or disease, multiple administrations may be necessary. As such, the steps of administering and/or removing the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may be repeated one or a plurality of times.

The present invention is also directed to a method for reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity comprising the steps of associating (using any known medical technique) a lysine derivative to a patient having a disease or condition wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition, wherein the lysine derivative comprises an α-nitrogen and a ε-nitrogen. Preferably, an alkyl substituent comprising at least approximately 8 carbon atoms is associated with the α-nitrogen. Preferably, at least one isothiocyanate functional group is associated with the ε-nitrogen.

The present invention is further directed to a method for reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity comprising the step of: administering a surfactant to a patient having a disease or condition wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition, wherein the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

and wherein the surfactant comprises a non-polar moiety (NP) and a polar moiety (P), and wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group (NCS) is associated with the polar and/or non-polar moiety.

The present invention is yet further directed to a method for reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity comprising the step of: administering a surfactant to a patient having a disease or condition wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).

In this embodiment, the surfactant is preferably represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from approximately 1 to approximately 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from approximately 6 to approximately 25.

More preferably, the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by at least one of the following chemical structures:

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity comprising the step of: administering a surfactant to a patient having a disease or condition wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein X comprises a counter cation such as, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, s-block metals, d-block metals, p-block metals, NZ₄ ₊ , wherein Z comprises, H, R₆, and/or OR₆, and wherein R₆ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer.

In accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may also be associated with one or more additional surfactants, wherein the additional surfactants are selected from at least one of the group comprising a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of preferred anionic surfactants include taurates; isethionates; alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates; succinamates; alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates; olefin sulfonates; alkoxy alkane sulfonates; sodium and potassium salts of fatty acids derived from natural plant or animal sources or synthetically prepared; sodium, potassium, ammonium, and alkylated ammonium salts of alkylated and acylated amino acids and peptides; alkylated sulfoacetates; alkylated sulfosuccinates; acylglyceride sulfonates, alkoxyether sulfonates; phosphoric acid esters; phospholipids; and combinations thereof. Specific anionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, TEA-cocoyl glutamate, TEA cocoyl alaninate, sodium cocoyl taurate, potassium cetyl phosphate.

Non-limiting examples of preferred cationic surfactants include alkylated quaternary ammonium salts R₄NX; alkylated amino-amides (RCONH—(CH₂)_(n))NR₃X; alkylimidazolines; alkoxylated amines; and combinations thereof. Specific examples of anionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cetyl ammonium chloride, cetyl ammonium bromide, lauryl ammonium chloride, lauryl ammonium bromide, stearyl ammonium chloride, stearyl ammonium bromide, cetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl cetyl ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl ammonium chloride, dilauryl ammonium chloride, dilauryl ammonium bromide, distearyl ammonium chloride, distearyl ammonium bromide, dicetyl methyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl methyl ammonium bromide, dilauryl methyl ammonium chloride, distearyl methyl ammonium chloride, distearyl methyl ammonium bromide, ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow dimethyl ammonium sulfate, di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium acetate, ditallow dipropyl ammonium phosphate, ditallow dimethyl ammonium nitrate, di(coconutalkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(coconutalkyl)dimethyl ammonium bromide, tallow ammonium chloride, coconut ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl PG-imonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, stearimidopropyldimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl cetearyl ammonium tosylate, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium lactate, ditallowyl oxyethyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, behenamidopropyl PG dimonium chloride, dilauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearly dimethyl ammonium chloride, dimyristyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dipalmityl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidoproyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl ethyldiammonium ethosulfate, stearamidopropyl dimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, stearimidopropyl dimethyl cetaryl ammonium tosylate, stearamido propyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium lactate.

Non-limiting examples of preferred non-ionic surfactants include alcohols, alkanolamides, amine oxides, esters (including glycerides, ethoxylated glycerides, polyglyceryl esters, sorbitan esters, carbohydrate esters, ethoxylated carboxylic acids, phosphoric acid triesters), ethers (including ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl glucosides, ethoxylated polypropylene oxide ethers, alkylated polyethylene oxides, alkylated polypropylene oxides, alkylated PEG/PPO copolymers), silicone copolyols. Specific examples of non-ionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20, nonoxynol-9, C12-15 pareth-9, POE(4) lauryl ether, cocamide DEA, glycol distearate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, sorbitan stearate, PEG-8 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 trilaurate, lauryl glucoside, octylphenoxy-polyethoxyethanol, PEG-4 laurate, polyglyceryl diisostearate, polysorbate-60, PEG-200 isostearyl palmitate, sorbitan monooleate, polysorbate-80.

Non-limiting examples of preferred zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants include betaines; sultaines; hydroxysultaines, amido betaines, amidosulfo betaines; and combinations thereof. Specific examples of amphoteric surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cocoamidopropyl sultaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxyl sultaine, cocoamidopropylbetaine, coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl alphacarboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, lauryl (2-bishydroxy) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oelyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha carboxymethyl betaine, coco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine.

In further accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may optionally be incorporated into a formulation comprising one or more solvents. Preferably, the solvent comprises a hydrocarbon and/or silicone oil that is generally non-hygroscopic and/or generally hydrophobic. Suitable examples, include, silicone based solvents and/or fluids, mineral oil, vegetable oils, squalene (i.e., 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane)—just to name a few.

The invention is further described by the following examples.

Example I Preparation of a mixture of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine with N_(α),N_(ε)-bis-lauroyl-L-lysine

A 1 liter beaker equipped with an overhead mechanical stainless steel paddle stirrer was charged with 100 mL of 1 M NaOH (0.100 mol). Stirring was begun and the beaker cooled to −5° C. to −10° C. using a salt/ice bath. Next, 23.4 g (0.100 mol) of N_(ε)-benzylidene-L-lysine (prepared via the method of Bezas, B and Zervas, L., JACS, 83, 1961, 719-722) was added. Immediately afterward and while keeping the solution cold, 140 mL (0.140 mol) of precooled (in a salt/ice bath) 1 M NaOH and 26.1 mL of lauroyl chloride was added in two equal portions over a period of 6 minutes. The mixture was stirred for 10 more minutes at −5 to −10° C., then the ice bath was removed and the reaction mixture allowed to stir for another 1 hour while warming to room temperature. Next, the reaction mixture was cooled using a salt/ice bath and then sufficient concentrated HCl was added to adjust the pH to 7.5-7.8. With the pH at 7.8-7.8 and with continued cooling and stirring, 4.6 mL (60% of stoichiometric, 0.068 mol) of thiophosgene was added drop-wise via an additional funnel over the period of 1 hour. During this time, sufficient 1 M NaOH was added to maintain a pH range between 7.5-7.8. After the thiophosgene addition was complete, additional 1 M NaOH was added as necessary until the pH stabilized in 7.5-7.8 range. Next, sufficient 30% NaOH was added to adjust the pH to approximately 8.5. Next, 12 mL (0.051 mol) of lauroyl chloride was rapidly added, followed by sufficient 1 M NaOH to keep the pH in the range of 8.00-8.50. Next, sufficient concentrated HCl was added to adjust the pH to 1.5. The reaction mixture was filtered via vacuum filtration, and the precipitate washed with dilute HCl (pH=2). The product, a white moist solid, was dried in vacuo while heating to 60° C. 45.19 g of white solid product was recovered, a mixture of predominantly N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-lysine and N_(α),N_(ε)-bis-lauroyl-L-lysine (determined via LC-MS analysis). Both compounds in this mixture can be simultaneously converted into anionic (carboxylate) surfactants via reaction with aqueous NaOH to yield a clear aqueous solution of the surfactants.

Example II Preparation of Pure N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine Step 1: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-carbobenzoxy-L-Lysine

60.0 g of N_(ε)-cbz-L-Lysine (cbz is carbobenzoxy) purchased from Atomole Scientific Company, LTD was added to a three-liter beaker along with 1200 mL of RO water and the mixture was stirred. Next, 39 mL of 30% aqueous NaOH was added, resulting in dissolution of the N_(ε)-cbz-L-Lysine. The resulting solution was cooled in an ice bath and then 52.5 mL of lauroyl chloride was added. The ice bath was removed 30 minutes later, and stirring continued for an additional six hours, at which time 18 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added. The reaction mixture was then filtered via vacuum filtration, the white solid product washed with 1 M aqueous HCl, and then the solid product was dried in vacuo while heated to approximately 85° C. 96.5 g of dry white solid product was obtained. The product can be further purified by dissolving it in methanol, filtering off any insoluble precipitate, and removing the methanol in vacuo to recover a white solid product (mp 99.5-103.0° C.)

Step 2: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-ammonium chloride-L-Lysine

10.0 g of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-carbobenzoxy-L-Lysine was weighed into a one liter Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 150 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added and the solution was stirred and heated in an oil bath to 104° C., then allowed to cool with the oil bath back to room temperature. The solution was then cooled to 9° C. for approximately four hours, during which time a large mass of white precipitate formed. The reaction mixture was filtered in vacuo and rinsed with a small amount of cold 1 M HCl. The white solid reaction product was then dried in vacuo while being heated to 78° C., yielding 7.89 g of white solid product (mp 191-193° C.).

Step 3: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine

0.46 mL of thiophosgene was added to 30 mL of dichloromethane in a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar. To this solution was drop wise added over 15 minutes a solution consisting of 2.00 g N_(α)-lauroyl-NE-ammonium chloride-L-Lysine, 10 mL RO water, and 2.7 mL 20% aqueous NaOH. Stirring was continued for an additional 30 minutes, after which sufficient concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to lower the pH to 1 as indicated by testing with pHydrion paper. The reaction solution was then transferred into a separatory funnel and the bottom turbid dichloromethane layer was isolated and dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and gravity filtered. To the filtrate was added 50 mL of hexanes. The solution was then concentrated via removal of 34 mL of solvent via trap-to-trap distillation and then placed in a −19° C. freezer. A mass of white precipitate formed after a few hours and was isolated via vacuum filtration and then dried in vacuo for 2 hours. 1.130 g of a slightly off white solid powder product was obtained [mp 37.0-39.0° C.; IR (cm⁻¹), 3301sb, 2923s, 2852s, 2184m, 2099s, 1721s, 1650s, 1531s, 1456m, 1416w, 1347m, 1216m, 1136w].

The oils and/or solvents employed hereinabove are provided for the purposes of illustration, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any way. As such, the oils may be liquid, solid, or gel, and may be synthetic or of natural origin and include but are not limited to waxes, esters, lipids, fats, glycerides, cyclic silicones, linear silicones, crosslinked silicones, alkylsilicones, silicone copolyols, alkylated silicone copolyols, and/or hydrocarbons, and/or ethoxylated versions of all of these.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:
 1. A method for reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity, comprising the step of: administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to a patient having a disease or condition wherein MIF cytokine or its biological activity is implicated in the disease or condition.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises a lysine derivative, wherein the lysine derivative comprises an α-nitrogen and a 6-nitrogen, and wherein an alkyl and/or alkanoyl substituent comprising at least approximately 8 carbon atoms is associated with the α-nitrogen, and further wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group is associated with the 6-nitrogen.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein the protonated form of the surfactant comprises a non-polar moiety (NP) and a polar moiety (P), and wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group (NCS) is associated with the polar and/or non-polar moiety.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s); wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; and an alkyl, and alkanoyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, and alkanoyl, group containing 8 to 25 carbon atoms.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from approximately 1 to approximately 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from approximately 6 to approximately
 25. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:


9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by at least one of the following chemical structures:


10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein X comprises a counter cation such as, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, s-block metals, d-block metals, p-block metals, NZ₄ ₊ , wherein Z comprises, H, R₆, OR₆, and wherein R₆ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer.
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s); wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; and an alkyl, and alkanoyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, and alkanoyl, group containing 8 to 25 carbon atoms; and wherein X comprises a counter cation.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is administered to the patient at least one of orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intrathecally, cutaneously, subcutaneously, transdermally, sublingually, buccally, rectally, vaginally, ocularly, otically, and nasally.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the amount of isothiocyanate functional surfactant topically administered to the patient ranges from approximately 0.5 nmol/cm2 to approximately 10 μmol/cm2.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is a topical preparation selected from the group consisting of ointment, cream, emulsion, lotion and gel.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant further comprises one or more pharmaceutical, biological or molecular biological active agents.
 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the patient is a mammal.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the mammal is a human. 